Drive Pinion Flange: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Lubricate the pinion flange splines.
- Use SAE 75W-140 High Performance Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
- Align the pinion flange with the drive pinion shaft.
- With the drive pinion in place in the axle housing, install the pinion flange using the special tool.
- Position the new pinion nut.
- Using a suitable pinion flange holding tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the pinion nut.
- Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating correctly.
- Install a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench on the pinion nut.
- Rotating the pinion through several revolutions, take frequent cone and roller bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded preload reading is obtained.
- If the original recorded preload is lower than specifications, tighten to the appropriate specification for used bearings. If the preload is higher than specification, tighten the nut to the original reading as recorded. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Position the driveshaft and align the marks on the pinion flange.
- Install the driveshaft.
- Install the brake discs and calipers. Refer to REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER & PADS .
NOTE:
Disregard the scribe marks if a new pinion flange is being installed.
CAUTION:
Under no circumstances is the pinion nut to be backed off to reduce preloads. If reduced preload is required, a new collapsible spacer and pinion nut must be installed.
CAUTION:
The pinion flange holding tool must be removed before preload readings can be recorded.
CAUTION:
The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.